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Raheem Sterling & Ama Agbeze triumph at BEDSA 2019

Raheem Sterling and Ama Agbeze, were the big winners at the glittering British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSA 2019) hosted by Nish Kumar, at Hilton London Heathrow, Terminal 5 on Saturday 6th April.

Raheem Sterling was named The City Livery Club Sportsman of the Year at the coveted Sporting Equals BEDSAs, scoring 23 goals in all competitions for Manchester City, winning the Premier League title and the English League Cup in 2018. Commenting on his first win at the BEDSAs Raheem Sterling said. “A big thank you to Sporting Equals for hosting the 5th BEDSAs and a very special thanks to everyone who had voted for me. It really means a lot to be named as your Sportsman of the Year! And congratulations to my fellow nominees as well.”

Ama Agbeze who also picked up her first BEDSA award, winning The Royal Navy Sportswoman of the Year award. Ama captained the England Netball team to a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Nigel Walker, Former International Rugby Union Player and Britain’s only black sports CEO, was awarded The Sky Media Leadership in Sport Award. The award highlighting the importance of senior and boardroom diversity.

In a big night for football, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Brendon Batson OBE was recognised for his contributions to football. Kulwinder Singh Johal was awarded The FA Special Recognition Award for encouraging the growth of women and girls for GNG FC Leicester Football club.

The night was also a memorable one for the British record breaking Paralympic athlete Kare Adenegan winning Youth Sport Trust Young Sports Person of the Year Award. Ranvir Singh picked up UK Sport Inspirational Performance, known as the 2-time British Junior Champion and current British Senior Champion.

GB Wheelchair Basketballs Coach Haj Bhania’s was aptly named England Athletics Coach of the Year, as the GB won the World Championships in 2018.

The LTA Community Project of the Year award went to British Muslim Heritage Centre, with Spirit 2012 Connecting Communities award going to Unity Gym. GirlDreamer: Boarders without Borders won the Sport England Community Sports Project award.

The British Army Unsung champion award goes to Harmander Singh and The ECB Special Recognition Award going to National Asian Cricket Council.

Arun Kang CEO Sporting Equals and Founder of The BEDSAs commenting on a wonderful evening said, “The Sporting Equals BEDSA awards never disappoint celebrating the outstanding work of volunteers and communities to the achievements of World class performers like Raheem Sterling and Ama Agbeze. Sporting Equals as a national charity, has ensured these awards are key date in the sporting calendar and important in terms of not only showcasing the excellent work and talent among diverse communities but also highlighting that there is much work still to do to tackle inequalities and under-representation in some areas of sport.”

BEDSA 2019 – Winners list

Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year
Kare Adenegan

The British Army Unsung Champion
Harmander Singh

England Athletics Coach of the Year
Haj Bhania

UK Sport Inspirational Performance of the Year
Ranvir Singh

Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year
GirlDreamer: Boarders without Borders

Spirit of 2012 Connecting Communities Award
Unity Gym

The LTA Community Project of the Year
British Muslim Heritage Centre

England Wales Cricket Board Special Recognition Award
National Asian Cricket Council

The Royal Navy Sports Woman of the Year Award
Ama Agbeze

The City Livery Club Sportsman of the Year Award
Raheem Sterling

The FA Special Recognition Award
Kulwinder Singh Johal

Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award
Brendon Batson OBE

Sky Media Leadership in Sport Award
Nigel Walker